Why CBD Is Set to Become a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

For those who may not be familiar with cannabidiol, it is one of the more than 100 cannabinoids commonly found in cannabis plants. However, the effect that it has on the body is markedly different from that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which comes from the same plant. To further illustrate this point, THC is often correlated with marijuana as it is the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, is best known for its medicinal benefits and has been used to treat everything from chronic pain and mental illness to seizures and everything in-between.

According to the National Institute of Health, CBD is proving to be a viable treatment for an ever-growing number of health problems. This acknowledgment from, what is by all accounts, the largest biomedical research agency in the world is helping to remove the stigma once associated with CBD and marijuana as a whole. With more scientists, researchers, physicians, and government officials starting to embrace CBD and CBD-based products, the industry is poised for unprecedented growth. In fact, the CBD market is expected to surpass $20 billion in sales by 2024. In this article, we will take a look at what this record sales growth means for the cannabis industry and for consumers.

WHY IS CANNABIDIOL BECOMING SO MAINSTREAM?

After the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, which is found throughout the brain and nervous system, in 1992, countless studies have been done to identify the role it plays in not only health but also in managing and preventing disease. These studies proved that cannabidiol-based products like CBD oil, for example, could enhance the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for pain regulation, digestion, reproduction, motor skills, stress, memory, and regulating appetite. Further lending credence to health benefits of CBD oil and similar products, the Farm Bill was passed in 2018. For those who may not be familiar with the Farm Bill, it is a federal law that declassified cannabidiol-based products as a controlled substance, making hemp farming legal as well as the sale and possession of hemp-based products. Also, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the CBD-based prescription drug Epidiolex in 2018, further legitimizing the use of CBD-based products in the treatment of severe health problems.

As CBD oil and hemp-based products become more mainstream, more health benefits are being linked to them. Currently, CBD-based products are confirmed effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, arthritis, anxiety, inflammation, and intestinal bowel disorders. There is also evidence suggesting that these products can help resolve skin irritation, particularly rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Because CBD-based products interact with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, they can benefit the body in a variety of ways.

HOW CAN ENTREPRENEURS AND INVESTORS BENEFIT FROM THIS TREMENDOUS SALES GROWTH?

Whether you’re an investor or entrepreneur, there is no time like the present to capitalize on the record sales growth in the CBD-based industry. The projected sales of $20 billion by 2024 takes into account sales derived from a number of sources, including licensed dispensaries, pharmaceuticals, and general market retail sales, which include sales from smoke shops, supermarkets, and pharmacies. Any of these sectors could spell serious earning potential for would-be investors and entrepreneurs.

It is important to note that this sales growth also benefits consumers who may want to buy CBD oil by introducing more competition in the marketplace, which helps to drive down their out-of-pocket costs. Basically, a booming CBD-based market represents a win-win for everyone involved. To that point, CBD Biotechnology, a China-based company, launched a hemp-infused line of skincare products aimed at Chinese consumers in 2018. The company also plans to market a rice wine alcohol product called Hemp Wine to Chinese consumers as well. Of course, it doesn’t stop there as many companies, investors, and entrepreneurs are all vying for their slice of the proverbial pie.

WHAT SHOULD INVESTORS KNOW ABOUT INVESTING IN A CBD-BASED MARKET?

From an investing standpoint, CBD-based stocks are a hot commodity in today’s financial market. And with a 55 percent annual growth projected over the next five years, it shouldn’t be too difficult to choose a CBD-based stock that will offer a sizeable return on your investment. However, you still want to do your due diligence when reviewing investment opportunities to ensure you are getting the best possible ROI (return on investment). With that in mind, let’s take a look at a couple of companies that may we worth your investment dollars:

Terra Tech Corp (OTCMKTS: TRTC) – Based in California, Terra Tech Corp is one of the bigger players in California’s cannabis market with a market cap in the neighborhood of $11 million. According to insiderfinancial.com, the aggregate equity amongst all stockholders for the third quarter of 2018 was nearly $4 million, representing an increase of roughly $16 million when compared to figures posted during the final quarter of 2017. All in all, it is reasonably safe to say that investing in Terra Tech Corp would be a sound investment.

Kush Bottles (OTCMKTS: KSHB) – Similar to Terra Tech Corp, Kush Bottles is another company based in California that is making waves in the cannabis market. According to data posted on their website, kushco.com, the collective equity amongst their shareholders was nearly $41 million in 2017 and grew to just over $72 million as of May 31, 2018, representing an increase of over $30 million. If you have a preference for investing in American businesses that are doing well in the cannabis market, you may want to consider investing in Kush Bottles.

Charlotte’s Webb Holdings (NASDAQOTH: CWBHF) – The Colorado-based company is a big player when it comes to the hemp-based cannabis market. In fact, Charlotte’s Webb reportedly harvested 675,000 pounds of raw hemp in 2018, which is a testament to just how big they are in the hemp-based cannabis market. It is also worth mentioning that they are a direct-to-consumer e-commerce business and also handles their own distributing to retailers, making them a one-stop shop for those interested in hemp-based cannabis products. Research shows that Charlotte’s Webb experienced an impressive 74 percent increase in revenue in 2018 and a 75 percent increase in gross profits in the same year. With a strong emphasis on quality and organic products, it is easy to see why Charlotte’s Webb is doing so well.

Considering how many investment opportunities are currently available in the cannabis market, choosing the right company to invest in can be challenging, especially if you’re a new investor. As with any investment, it is always a good idea to research the success rate of a prospective company before investing your hard-earned dollars. Fortunately, there are a variety of online resources available to help you in completing such a task. Also, whether you’re new to investing or new to investing in the cannabis market, you should consider making small investments initially, allowing yourself time to get a feel for the market before investing aggressively. Lastly, it may also be a good idea to speak with a financial advisor before making your final investment decision.

In summation, there is no time like the present to buy CBD or invest in the cannabis market. To help put this into context, most companies are posting year over year profits. And new therapeutic uses for CBD-based product are routinely being discovered.